News Flash
DHAKA, May 20, 2026 (BSS) - US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen today reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening economic, energy and security cooperation with Bangladesh as the United States celebrated its 250th independence anniversary in Dhaka.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury attended the programme as the chief guest.
In his remarks Finance minister Chowdhury said Bangladesh is looking forward to deeper engagement from American investors and institutions, including the US International Development Finance Corporation, particularly in infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, logistics and services sectors.
He said that Bangladesh welcomed increased American investment and stronger supply chain cooperation between the two countries.
“We envision deeper cooperation between our universities, researchers, entrepreneurs and diaspora communities living across different states of the United States,” he said.
Chowdhury said Bangladesh and the United States have built strong bridges through diplomacy, trade and educational exchanges over the years.
“Our responsibility now is to deepen that partnership for future generations. I remain confident that the best chapters of Bangladesh-United States relations are still ahead of us,” he added.
Speaking at the US National Day celebration, Ambassador Christensen said the United States and Bangladesh were advancing a "mutually beneficial partnership" through expanded trade, investment, aviation and energy cooperation.
Referring to the recently signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), the envoy said the arrangement would help preserve Bangladesh's access to the US market with competitive tariff facilities while promoting balanced trade and investment relations between the two countries.
He said the agreement reflected a "common sense" approach to diplomacy where both nations pursue policies serving their own people while identifying areas of shared benefit.
Highlighting growing aviation cooperation, Christensen referred to the recent aircraft deal between Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, saying the partnership would contribute to the modernization of Bangladesh's civil aviation sector through aircraft supply, pilot training and technical development.
The ambassador also mentioned the recently signed Bangladesh-US memorandum of understanding on strategic energy cooperation, saying the deal would facilitate energy projects, industrial growth and fuel diversification in Bangladesh.
"The United States remains a reliable partner for Bangladesh's energy needs," he said.
Christensen said the United States had also been working closely with Bangladesh on health security issues, including measles vaccination campaigns and emergency response initiatives.
Referring to America's independence history, the envoy said the principles of liberty, self-rule and democratic governance enshrined in the 1776 Declaration of Independence continued to inspire people worldwide.
Quoting US President Donald Trump, he said, "With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history."
The ambassador announced several public outreach initiatives marking America's 250th anniversary, including the launch of 50 red-white-and-blue themed rickshaws in Gulshan and Banani, an "American Founders Museum" at Centrepoint Mall, and an "America Week" road show across Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet in July.
He said the celebrations reflected the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and the United States and reaffirmed Washington's intention to further strengthen bilateral partnership in the years ahead.
